Can a contraction of the muscle ever be reversed with physical therapy before the muscle gets too contracted?

Yes, absolutely. Contractures of the muscles are due to
inactivity and disuse. Even if the person has suffered an illness like a CVA and the
extremity is paralyzed, contractures of the muscles can be prevented with regular range
of motion (ROM) exercises performed by a physical therapist. This is especially relevant
for nurses and assistants who work in long term care facilities. Passive ROM exercises
can be performed while giving a bed bath.

Bed-bound
patients are susceptible to all sorts of contractures of the limbs, even if the patient
suffers from some debilitating neuromuscular disease, contractures should never occur.
This is an illness of neglect and can be readily prevented.